Have You Received the Holy Ghost Since You Believed?

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Blain

The Word Weaver
Aug 28, 2012
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#21
You have such depth for the Lord in your heart......please continue to share your testimony.....never worry.....you give out so much Of what’s in your heart........it really is beautiful to read.....so very pure......God Bless You!
Well I cannot take any credit it is just how he works with me he uses this aspect of me the most in the poems I write I actually recieved one from him today and just made a thread of it, I knew it was for his church so even though I know how things like that fade in the pages of the bdf instead of just keeping it iin my thread of Blain's psalms in the mic. section I felt him tell me to post it here the thread is called for the church and is awaiting approval but if you love what you read with my open heart God has spoken through me so much in my thread of Psalms if you want to check it out.

I have always been a writer at heart and know the power words have and when I came to him he used this to such great extent and impacted so many hearts with it.
I again cannot take credit I don't think I just write I am the pen he is the voice behind it
 
Nov 26, 2012
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#22
How can one be absolutely sure they have received the Holy Ghost/Spirit? Only by evaluating scripture and finding consistency can this be done. The biblical record includes multiple events that point to the truth of what occurs when the Holy Ghost/Spirit actually enters the human body:

Consider the Apostle Peter’s words concerning the initial arrival of the Holy Ghost at Pentecost:

“This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.
Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.” Acts 2:32-33

“And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” Acts 2:2-4


Peter also stated that the Gentiles had received the Holy Ghost just as the Jews did on the Day of Pentecost. “And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning.” Acts 11:15

“While Peter yet these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.” Acts 10:44-48


Paul’s interaction with the Ephesus disciples make it clear that tongues flowed from the disciples upon the arrival of the Holy Ghost into their bodies:

“And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,
He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost SINCE ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.
And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.
Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.” Acts 19:1-6


The story of the Samaritan’s experience is interesting. It is another proof that one does not receive the Holy Ghost the moment they believe. Ask yourself, How did those present know that the Samaritans HAD NOT received the Holy Ghost when they believed? They knew it because they did not witness the outward evidence of tongues.

"But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.
Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:
Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:
(For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)
Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.
And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,” Acts 8:12-18

What exactly did Simon see that made him the Holy Ghost had filled the Samaritans?


Consider what Jesus told Nicodemus, just as the wind, the Holy Ghost/Spirit cannot be seen but it can be heard:
“The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.” John 3:8


Another thing that I believe is associated, and find fascinating is that God takes control of the one thing man cannot control as evidence of His abiding presence; the tongue:
"For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:
But the tongue can no man tame;" (James 3:7-8) However, with God all things are possible. (Matt 19:26)

Lastly, consider that on the Day of Pentecost just prior to the utterance of tongues a flame resembling a cloven (split) tongue appeared above each person when the Spirit entered their body. (Acts 2:3-4) See an Old Testament parallel:
  • The Israelites knew when God was present in the darkness of night by the pillar of flame that appeared above the Old Testament tabernacle. (Exodus 25:8, 22, 29:43,40:34-38)
  • New Testament believers ARE God’s tabernacle today. He abides inside of us.
The cloven (split or divided in two) tongue appears to represent that there are two types of tongues: One as the initial evidence of the infilling of the Holy Spirit, and two; the Spiritual gift of tongues.


We are told to study the word in order to get a clear understanding of God’s principles. There will always be 2-3 witnesses in the word to confirm if one’s understanding is the actual truth. The foregoing information pertaining to tongues being the evidence of the infilling of the Holy Ghost/Spirit meets that criterion.
I think there is a difference being baptized by Jim the pastor who struggles relentlessly with alcohol and pornography and Peter the Rock who walked with the Lord and received the Holy Spirit like “tongues of fire”. Even Christ declared He didn’t heal people. It was God through Him. The people’s faith was instrumental in their healing. Yeshua appeared to be more like a conduit. Is it possible our leaders who do not possess the purity or Spirit themselves and have poor “conductivity” spiritually? I think also it should be noted that thousands were being converted daily. It would be an interesting statistic to know how many of them spoke in tongues. Even as stated in the Bible, not all have the gift of tongues. I think it’s a dangerous doctrine to assume that if you don’t speak in tongues you aren’t saved or have the in dwelling Spirit. I think it’s a way He makes His presence known but not in everyone. I was witness to group of believers who just faked it. Apparently the whole church could speak in tongues. I think it hurt their witness more than helped it. I wonder how many of that group felt inadequate because they knew they were lying to fit in.
 

miknik5

Senior Member
Jun 2, 2016
7,833
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#23
Thank GOD that Paul went to Ephesus to check on Apollos'disciples...
In Acts 18, last paragraph, we meet Apollos who spoke about Jesus but was a little off in his preaching...after Apollos was taught more rightly the way of GOD, Paul took it upon himself to go to Ephesus to check that Apollos' disciples were truly baptized into CHRIST...

They didn´t even know there was a Holy Spirit...and they thought they were baptized into John´s baptism.
 
R

Reformyourself

Guest
#24
I think there is a difference being baptized by Jim the pastor who struggles relentlessly with alcohol and pornography and Peter the Rock who walked with the Lord and received the Holy Spirit like “tongues of fire”. Even Christ declared He didn’t heal people. It was God through Him. The people’s faith was instrumental in their healing. Yeshua appeared to be more like a conduit. Is it possible our leaders who do not possess the purity or Spirit themselves and have poor “conductivity” spiritually? I think also it should be noted that thousands were being converted daily. It would be an interesting statistic to know how many of them spoke in tongues. Even as stated in the Bible, not all have the gift of tongues. I think it’s a dangerous doctrine to assume that if you don’t speak in tongues you aren’t saved or have the in dwelling Spirit. I think it’s a way He makes His presence known but not in everyone. I was witness to group of believers who just faked it. Apparently the whole church could speak in tongues. I think it hurt their witness more than helped it. I wonder how many of that group felt inadequate because they knew they were lying to fit in.
Matthew 8:7
And Jesus said to him, “I will come and heal him.”
 
R

Reformyourself

Guest
#25
hmmm :unsure:, good point. (y)

1) once filled with the Power on High my desire to use curse words certainly diminished, but they can still slip from time to time. :eek::censored:

However

2) the desire to use God's name in vain has completely vanished!!! What once was common is now gone!
:love::D(y)(y) Hallelujah!!!
The same with me and my hubby. blaspheming taken away immediately & at the same time. Cursing not so much 🤐 (someone judgymuch will pounce on that)
 

Wansvic

Well-known member
Nov 27, 2018
4,712
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#26
Have a close look at the disciples who were asked whether they had received the Hoky Spirit since they believed.

There is a group of already saved believers being given the Holy Spirit ' in the midst' to be a church, and there is individual indwelling of the Holy Spirit upon initial belief
Biblical evidence has been given showing the Holy Ghost was given separately from one's belief. Please provide scripture proving your assertion that people receive the Holy Ghost upon initial belief.
 

Wansvic

Well-known member
Nov 27, 2018
4,712
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#27
Have a close look at the disciples who were asked whether they had received the Hoky Spirit since they believed.

There is a group of already saved believers being given the Holy Spirit ' in the midst' to be a church, and there is individual indwelling of the Holy Spirit upon initial belief
One must receive the Holy Spirit in order to be saved. Not the other way around.
 

Wansvic

Well-known member
Nov 27, 2018
4,712
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#28
If you exhibit fruits of the Holy Spirit since you've believed then the Holy Spirit has come to you.
Have you considered that there are people who display attributes such as, meekness, joyfulness, patience, etc. who have never heard of the gospel?
 

Kolistus

Well-known member
Feb 3, 2020
538
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#30
Biblical evidence has been given showing the Holy Ghost was given separately from one's belief. Please provide scripture proving your assertion that people receive the Holy Ghost upon initial belief.
There are many many different orders for "getting saved" in the Bible.

Sometimes you have to just believe (John 3:16) sometimes you have to repent, sometimes you have to obey (john 3:36) (Acts 3:19) sometimes you have to be baptized and repent (Acts 2:38) sometimes people speak in tongues, sometimes they dont. Sometimes you speak in tongues after water baptism, sometimes you speak in tongues before water baptism.

You cant just pick one of these and make it the end all be all.

Ephesians 1:13 has people being sealed with the Spirit once they believed the Gospel, how does Ephesians 1:13 work with what you said here?
 
Mar 4, 2020
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#31
Have you considered that there are people who display attributes such as, meekness, joyfulness, patience, etc. who have never heard of the gospel?
An unbeliever does not have the Spirit of Christ in them so by sheer force of will power or training anyone can manifest some of those character traits.

Someone born of God will act in the interest of God's will as opposed to the "mind of the flesh" or, simply put, their sinful nature.

There is a difference; read Romans 8.
 
Jun 10, 2019
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#32
I'm unsure as to what you are asking. Do you have some insight?
The fire you mentioned above the tabernacle was within a cloud by night and by day only the cloud.
 

Bingo

Well-known member
Feb 9, 2019
8,285
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#33
"There shall be no doubt of the Holy Spirit coming upon ones own life.
A new perspective of all things."
'Praise God'


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notuptome

Senior Member
May 17, 2013
15,050
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#34
Biblical evidence has been given showing the Holy Ghost was given separately from one's belief. Please provide scripture proving your assertion that people receive the Holy Ghost upon initial belief.
This is patently false. One is saved and indwelt by the Holy Spirit the moment they believe Christ is their Savior.

Joh 6:47 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.

The baptism of the Holy Spirit unto eternal life is the first event of the new life we have in Christ. The filling of the Holy Spirit with power to minister for the Lord is a following event. There is no set time or triggering event for filling of the Holy Spirit. It is described in Acts 1:8.

Titus 3:5 also describes the Holy Spirit as the Agent of God by which men are transformed into saints.
One must receive the Holy Spirit in order to be saved. Not the other way around.
One receives the Holy Spirit the moment they believe in Christ according to the scriptures. Many believe on Christ and are not saved because they do not believe according to the scriptures.

Acts 19 we see a clear case of men who knew of a coming Messiah through John the Baptists teachings. When Paul explained that Jesus was the Christ of whom John spoke and the Jesus was crucified, buried and risen for the dead they believed and were baptized unto eternal life in Christ. They got saved when they heard the gospel in a clear and concise form.

For the cause of Christ
Roger
 
L

lenna

Guest
#35
One must receive the Holy Spirit in order to be saved. Not the other way around.

I'm becoming confused with your posts. I'm trying to follow you, but the quote from you above has me scratching my head.
Are you saying that God gives people His Spirit before they are saved? I'm not sure I am understanding what point you are trying to make
 
Sep 14, 2019
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#36
How can one be absolutely sure they have received the Holy Ghost/Spirit? Only by evaluating scripture and finding consistency can this be done.
I believe that the Holy Spirit does manifest and testify in various ways to those who ask to receive and are ready for him. For some it is speaking in tongues for others it is shaking or trembling of their hands but whatever the sign you will know that it was him.

When I became sincere about my faith and confessed my sins the first thing to disappear was my habitual desire to curse. God took it away for good. He was preparing a place in me for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. I had been praying for the Holy Spirit to come and fill my life and then one evening I had the windows open and a rushing wind came in and filled the entire living room. I sat back in my rocking chair and said Jesus is Lord, Jesus is Lord. And immediately after saying those words a voice from the wind above my head said "let him be the Lord of your past as well". Then the Holy Spirit took me through a series of mental confirmations that he is with me and he's been with me ever since that day.
 

wattie

Senior Member
Feb 24, 2009
2,987
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New Zealand
#37
One must receive the Holy Spirit in order to be saved. Not the other way around.
Not sure what you are meaning ..

I am pointing out that receiving the Holy Spirit as a group is different to an individual receiving the Holy Spirit.

Individual.. this is getting saved.

Group.. this is already saved believers being empowered.. and happens when they become a local church.

So the disciples being asked whether they received the Holy Spirit I see as an already saved group of believers.. each already individually indwelt ..
.. being empowered by the Holy Spirit coming 'in their midst'
 

p_rehbein

Senior Member
Sep 4, 2013
30,097
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#38
IF the OP is simply trying to say one MUST speak in tongues, OR they do not have the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit...........then that is FALSE!

Speaking in tongues is ONLY ONE of the GIFTS of the Spirit, and Paul listed it as the last/least..................

Paul did show HOW one receives the indwelling presence, and that is by a Sanctified Believer lays hands on and prays over a new believer/or one who has not yet received the indwelling presence......

There is only the ONE instance where this differs......and that was at Pentecost, in the Upper Room, and that was because there were NO Sanctified Believers/those having the indwelling presence to lay hands on and pray over the Disciples and all the others in the Upper Room. In this one instance, the Holy Spirit Himself did it..........

After that, the only way in Scripture to receive the indwelling presence is as Paul laid out. There is a difference between "falling upon" and "indwelling."

There are very few people, congregations today who practice tongues speaking according to Scripture............far too many are fake.......

How do I know this? Because I took the time to investigate numerous such congregations and learned the following:

There where those in the Congregation that had written instructions that were suppose to teach people to speak in tongues..........this is TOTALLY AGAINST SCRIPTURE! It completely removes the Holy Spirit.

When several Ladies from one of these Congregations tried to teach my Mother to speak in tongues, they told her:

Close your eyes, lean you head way back, spread your arms out, and spin around and around and say as fast as you can "the keys to my Honda, the keys to my Honda." Do this and pretty soon you will be speaking in tongues.........

ANYONE who teaches that one MUST speak in tongues to have the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit is not teaching Biblical Truth.........

Don't want to hurt any feelings, rather, to be sure no one is led astray.........
 

Prycejosh1987

Active member
Jul 19, 2020
953
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#39
Tongues are a sign of receiving the spirit. But a person can receive the spirit without tongues i believe. There is the holy spirit, and what i call "spiritual upgrades" Elisha was a perfect example of a spiritual upgrade.
 

Wansvic

Well-known member
Nov 27, 2018
4,712
1,030
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#40
The same with me and my hubby. blaspheming taken away immediately & at the same time. Cursing not so much 🤐 (someone judgymuch will pounce on that)
My initial comment about God taking control of one's tongue was in reference to speaking in tongues being accompanied with the infilling of the Holy Ghost. It had nothing to do with bad language.